Pretty Perfect Snack

This is one of my favorite afternoon snacks, and makes for a yummy breakfast too!

Non-fat greek yogurt (I love the flavored kind)

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A handful of Kashi GoLean Crunch

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A sprinkle of flaxseed meal

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Fruit of your choice!!

Have a healthy day :)

-Pretty Penny

It's Raining, It's Pouring...

I love when it rains, especially when I have the luxury of being in a warm and cozy place reading a book! Unfortunately, I was running around today between volunteering and class, and thanking my lucky stars for my comfy rain boots and useful umbrella. Useful or not, who doesn't love dressing up for the rain?

I love these plum, patent looking rainboots. You can find them here from nordstrom.com

This is such an adorable umbrella, and functional as well! How can it not keep out the rain? Find this and many others at ella umbrella

Love this raincoat! Also from nordies :)

The prettiest accessory of them all...a big mug of hot chocolate with mini marshmallows :)

Hot Chocolate Recipe:

Ingredients:

- 2 cups of soy, skim or rice milk

- 2 rounded teaspoons of cocoa powder 

- 2 teaspoons of organic sugar or sugar substitute

Directions:

1. Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming (but not boiling).

2. Add cocoa powder and sweetener and whisk to combine ingredients.

3. Whisk the cocoa powder and sweetener until well-blended.

4. Pour into favorite mugs, add mini marshmallows and enjoy!

Stay warm :)

-Pretty Penny

A Not So "Tall" Order

Today we went to a really great restaurant at the Grove called Short Order. It is like a regular burger joint got married to a foodie cafe and had a baby, truffle fries and all. They are famed for their short order spuds (fried potatoes that are perfectly crispy on the outside and deliciously soft and starchy on the inside).

 I especially loved that all of their drinks were served in mason jars, and that they pride themselves on having only the freshest ingredients. All of their beef is grass fed, and they offered heirloom tomatoes on many of their burgers (love!). I was also introduced to a zero calorie cola made with stevia, which is a more natural sugar substitute. It was nice and refreshing, and paired so well with my turkey burger.

This meal was so delish, I highly recommend this place!!
xx,
Pretty Penny

Pretty New!

Welcome to my revamped blog, 'A Pretty Penny', where I will still post about food and recipes, but will include other fun things as well! I love sharing creative ideas, and needed to broaden the spectrum a bit! Thank you all for the wonderful comments I have received, I am so excited to share more of life's pretty things with you :)

Hanukkah Inspiration

Hanukkah is the perfect time to throw a party or just have a few friends over. Dreidel games can provide fun entertainment, and having the menorah candles glowing creates a warm and bright atmosphere. And who doesn't love jelly doughnuts, chocolates, and other hanukkah sweets (dreidel cookies anyone?). Here are a few party ideas that I just love!

A gorgeous dessert table. I especially like the use of light blue and gold, and love that the jelly doughnuts are iced in blue.

How cute is this cupcake menorah? A great project if you are crafty in the kitchen. Includes Twix bars, peanut m&ms, and light blue frosting that is easy to make with a little food coloring.

You don't always have to stick with the traditional blue and white for a Hanukkah dinner. Use light purples and violets, or even some sparkly to accent your table.

I love the idea of drediel place cards, and they are simple to make using card-stock. Dont hesitate to get colorful!

These cookies are a great way to teach kids to count the 8 nights. And they get a sweet reward out of it! Also make a nice party favor.

A winter themed Hanukkah table where guests can get some hot chocolate and all of the necessary toppings. I especially like the little blue buckets.

Happy Hanukkah!

xx,

Penelope Anne

It's Latke Time!

Chanukah is not Chanukah without delicious, savory potato latkes. Here is a great, easy recipe (thanks Ilene) for some very tasty latkes!!

Peel the potatoes and onion

Chop the potatoes and onion

Blend the potatoes, onion, and one egg in a blender or food processor. You should get a mushy consistency.

Add flour and mix

Heat oil in a pan and drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into oil. Flatten to make extra crispy!

Enjoy with applesauce and sour cream, or any other favorite topping!

Ingredients:
2-3 potatoes
1 quarter onion
1 egg
3 tbsp. flour
salt
pepper
About 6 tbsp. oil

Happy Holidays!

xx,

Penelope Anne

"EatFest" 2011

I just spent thanksgiving weekend in New York with Ben's family, and was able to take part in a unique family tradition. A few years ago on, Ben and his brothers toured NYC looking for all the most delicious food spots. They dubbed this adventure "EatFest" and have carried on the tradition ever since. This year Ben's sister, Molly,  and I were able to join, and let's just say we had a very "full" day. Did I mention this was a watered down version of previous EatFests?

Here is the breakdown of our little foodie adventure:

Carnegie Deli- 854 7th Avenue

We began by eating breakfast at this famous New York Deli. I have never seen such big pastrami sandwiches in my life!! We ordered bagels and pastrami egg omelettes.

Grey's Papaya-402 Sixth Avenue at 8th Street 

This is a famous hot dog restaurant that actual sells delicious smoothies (where the name papaya came from). I was a little underwhelmed by the hot dog, but still glad I tried it!

Pommes Frites-123 2nd Ave.

This was my favorite stop! This tiny restaurants specializes in Belgium french fries. The fries come in little cardboard cones, and the tables have little holes in them to hold the cones. You can choose from over 25 tasty sauces for your fries too!!

Momofuku Milk Bar-15 w 56th st.

Momofuku means 'lucky peach' and is also the name of the many restaurants owned by famous chef David Chang. Momofuku Milk Bar is his dessert hub. It ended up being more like a cafe, and we were able to pick up corn flake chocolate chip cookies, among many others. Yum!

xx,

Penelope Anne